7 ‘essential’ items to have before bringing home a new puppy

Ahead of National Puppy Day on Sunday, March 23, a dog expert revealed the seven “essential” items you need before bringing home a new puppy. Ben Mcfarlane, a dog expert at ACME Kennels, said: “Welcoming a new puppy is an exciting yet hectic experience for the whole family.

“To ensure a smooth transition and prevent boredom or bad behaviours from developing, it’s essential to have the right supplies ready before [the dog’s] arrival.” The dog expert emphasised that a “well-prepared home lays the foundation for your puppy’s happiness and development”. Putting together a “checklist” of all the items you’ll need before bringing a puppy home, Ben started off with bedding.

“To ensure the puppy feels comfortable, choose a soft bed with supportive sides and avoid oversized options, as they like to feel cosy,” said Ben.

“Select high-quality materials that can withstand chewing. Also, consider how easy it is to wash and how quickly it dries, as there may be a few accidents while the puppy settles in.”

While a no-brainer, dog food is also paramount, but it’s “important to buy food they’re already familiar with to prevent an upset stomach”.

Ben advised to “gradually” introduce another type of dog food if you plan on switching its food – and “always have a bowl of fresh water nearby”.

In addition to fulfilling basic needs, such as bedding, food and drink, it’s also important to provide mental stimulation for a new puppy.

“Without proper toys, puppies may become bored and engage in destructive behaviours,” Ben cautioned.

The best toys are “appropriate for their age and size” – and chew toys are a must for when the puppy is teething.

Other important essential items include a harness and leash, as well as house training supplies.

Then there are safety items, such as baby gates or secure storage boxes, to make sure the puppy doesn’t bite onto anything that could be a hazard.

“Puppies are naturally curious and can easily get into trouble without the right safety hazards in place,” said Ben.

Training tools, such as clickers, “are crucial for helping puppies learn consistent good behaviours”, added Ben.

Seven essential items

1. Bedding
2. Food
3. Toys
4. Safety precautions
5. Training tools
6. Harness and leash
7. House training pads